According to reports, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is keen to bring the Croatian international to the Emirates this summer.

Wenger is looking to strengthen his defensive options this summer and according to reports the Frenchman has made Lovren his number one defensive transfer target.

The news of Arsenal's interest in Lovren comes after reports earlier this month claimed that Manchester United had agreed a deal to sign Gunners skipper Thomas Vermaelen.

Reports earlier this month claimed that United had agreed a deal in principle with the Belgium centre-back, but the Gunners captain dismissed these reports and claimed that it was nothing but speculation.

WANTED MAN: Lovren is also wanted by Tottenham and Liverpool [GETTY]

“Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is keen to bring the Croatian international to the Emirates this summer”

He said: "I know there has been a lot of talk and a lot of rumours but the only thing I can say is that it’s not true.

"Everybody understands my situation at Arsenal and that I have one year left."

Despite Vermaelen's claims that he hasn't agreed a deal to move to Old Trafford it seems that Wenger is already preparing for the Belgian to leave the Emirates this summer and has lined up Lovren as his replacement.

Lovren, who handed in a transfer request at the end of the season, has also attracted interest from Liverpool and Tottenham this summer.

According to reports the Reds are currently leading the race to sign the Croatian defender, but are facing stiff competition Tottenham.

New Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is keen to sign Lovren, who managed during his time at Southampton, and is confident of snapping up that he can lure highly coveted defender to White Hart Lane.